Postponing Swifts match was sensible decision: Haveron

John Gillespie

Carrick Rangers’ scheduled game against Dungannon Swifts bit the dust on Saturday because of a waterlogged pitch.

Heavy overnight rain rendered the Taylor’s Avenue surface unplayable and Gers boss Gary Haveron admitted it was the right call.

Andrew Davey was set to be the man in the middle, but Ian McNabb, who later officiated in Glenavon’s 5-1 win over Ballinamallard, was dispatched to carry out the mid-morning inspection.

Both sides were hoping to record a first league win since September 12, and even at this relatively early stage of the campaign, some had dubbed the match as a six-pointer

“It was the sensible decision to call it off, to be honest,” Haveron said. “Ten years ago we wouldn’t even have questioned it, we would have just played. But nowadays, with the distance Dungannon are travelling, and the rain continuing to fall it wasn’t going to get any better. The bottom goalmouth was wet, 95 per cent of the pitch was playable but five per cent was in a key area and unfortunately that has made his decision.

“Of course we’re disappointed it was called off because the boys have prepared brilliantly. It has probably been one of the best week’s training we’ve had with getting everybody back fit and available.

“Their preparation was excellent, they boys were fantastic but they’ll have to be fantastic again this week.

“The timing sort of messes us up our plans but we’ll just have to come in and start again and look ahead to Portadown on Saturday.”

The fixture has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 17 (7:45 ko).